Female Drivers Research Articles

On the Road Safety: Gender Differences in Risk-Taking Driving Behaviors Among Seniors Aged 65 and Older.

Background/Objectives: Life expectancies have increased in most countries, leading to a higher accident rate among older drivers than their younger counterparts. While numerous studies have analyzed the decline in cognitive abilities and physical limitations as contributing factors, there are other considerations. For instance, younger male drivers tend to take more risks than younger female drivers. However, there is a lack of research and evidence regarding the role of gender in risk-taking among individuals over 65. Given this gap, our current study aims to investigate the relationship between gender and risk propensity in this particular age group. The primary goal was to determine if driving experience affects the gender gap in risk attitude; Methods: We studied risk behavior in both car drivers and pedestrians. Our sample included 200 individuals (101 women), all over 65, with the same weekly driving times. After a brief demographic and anamnestic interview, they completed the Driver Road Risk Perception Scale (DRPS) and the Pedestrian Behavior Appropriateness Perception Scale (PBAS) questionnaires. They also provided information about traffic violations and road crashes; Results: Our research revealed that older male drivers continue to tend to risky behavior, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve risk awareness, especially among older men; Conclusions: Our findings suggest that road safety messages should specifically target male drivers as they are less likely to view responsible driving actions, such as observing speed limits, as desirable.

Gender-Based Driving Behavior Patterns in the Context of Iran: A Qualitative Study

Background: Road traffic injuries are the eighth leading cause of deaths in all ages. Considering the fact that driving is a social context with different rules and behaviours, the present study was aimed to explore the patterns of gender-based driving behaviours focusing on women driving in the context of Iran. Methods: Through a conventional content analysis, overall, 30 participants with different social and educational levels were recruited. A purposeful sampling method was used in which 7 males and 23 females were included because of sample triangulation. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed through inductive content analysis. Results: Overall, three main categories and 10 subcategories were extracted from the data including unsafe risky behaviours against female drivers (subcategories of scary behaviours, aggression and violence against female drivers, ignoring women and revenge-based behaviours), protective and friendly behaviours (helping and caring for women drivers, respecting women drivers, being patient for women driving subcategories) and specific driving behaviours of women (preventive and cautious behaviours, driving based on traffic rules and cultural characteristics subcategories). Conclusion: Different patterns of driving behaviors focused on female drivers were found in the present research. Reducing the aggressive gender-based driving behaviors against female drivers and strengthening the protective behaviors for women can be achieved through establishing appropriate rules and public education. Further research is required to explore the process of gender-based driving behaviours, as well as identifying different consequences of such behaviours on communities.

Gulong ng Buhay: A Correlation of Female Gender Preference in Driving Tricycle

The study’s primary goal was to identify the challenges and difficulties faced by female tricycle drivers in earning a living and the acceptance of the community for female tricycle drivers. In particular, this study sought answers to the following questions: (1) How long do female drivers ride tricycle as their means of earnings? (2) What are the reasons of female gender in driving tricycle as means of earning a living? (3) What are the advantages of female gender as tricycle driver? and (4) What are the disadvantages of female gender as tricycle driver? The study will use qualitative research design in which researchers will gather data through interviews. The results show that (1) Most drivers drive tricycles to earn a living; (2) In order to provide for their families, female tricycle drivers strive to assist their husbands. It's mainly family motivation that drives them. Every effort has been made to ensure that their children have a good life. In addition, they are able to provide for their families' financial needs and the care of their children; (3) In spite of the difficulties and obstacles encountered on the road, female tricycle drivers can improve safety for passengers by proving that they are able to drive as well as their male counterparts while remaining brave enough to continue driving; and (4) The challenges faced by female tricycle drivers included being able to make ends meet, balancing work and family obligations, encountering discrimination and stereotypes in other people as well as today's lifestyle.

Gender Differences in Prefrontal Cortex Response to Negative Emotional Stimuli in Drivers.

Road safety improvement is a governmental priority due to driver-caused accidents. Driving style variation affects safety, with emotional regulation being pivotal. However, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) studies show inconsistent prefrontal cortex activity during emotion processing. This study examines prefrontal cortex response to negative emotional stimuli, particularly traffic accident images, across drivers diverse in age and gender. The study involved 118 healthy males (44.38 ± 12.98 years) and 84 females (38.89 ± 10.60 years). The Multidimensional Driving Style Inventory (MDSI) was used to assess driving behavior alongside fNIRS recordings. Participants viewed traffic accident and neutral images while prefrontal oxygenation was monitored. Women rated traffic accidents (t-test = 2.43; p < 0.016) and neutral images (t-test = 2.19; p < 0.030) lower in valence than men. Arousal differences were significant for traffic accident images (t-test = -3.06; p < 0.002). correlational analysis found an inverse relationship between Dissociative scale scores and oxygenation (all p-values ≤ 0.013). Greater prefrontal oxygenation occurred with neutral images compared to traffic accidents. Left hemisphere differences (t-test = 3.23; p < 0.001) exceeded right hemisphere differences (t-test = 2.46; p < 0.015). Subgroup analysis showed male participants to be driving these disparities. Among adaptive drivers, significant oxygenation differences between neutral and accident images were evident in both hemispheres (left: t-test = 2.72, p < 0.009; right: t-test = 2.22, p < 0.030). Male drivers with maladaptive driving styles, particularly dissociative ones, exhibit reduced prefrontal oxygenation when exposed to neutral and traffic accident images. This response was absent in female drivers, with no notable age-related differences.

How to define the threshold of takeover response ability of different drivers in conditional automated driving

In conditional automated driving, the takeover response ability threshold is necessary for driver qualification assessment and liability division of automated vehicle accidents. The primary objective of this study is to establish a clear and quantifiable threshold for drivers’ takeover response ability in conditional automated driving scenarios. This threshold aims to serve as a benchmark for evaluating drivers’ readiness and developing safety regulations in automated driving. We designed 18 takeover events and invited 42 drivers to participate in the driving simulation experiment, and obtained their takeover time data. First, we analyze the differences of takeover time among drivers with different attributes (gender, age, driving year). Second, based on the Peaks Over Threshold and the generalized Pareto distribution model, we use the graphic method to calculate the range of takeover time threshold for drivers with different attributes. The result shows that the difference in the threshold range of takeover time between male and female drivers is relatively tiny. There are differences in the threshold range of takeover time for different age drivers, and the threshold is negatively correlated with age. Drivers with high driving experience within a safe range are allowed to have longer takeover times. Finally, the rationality of the takeover time threshold for drivers with different attributes has been verified. The return level curves are approximately linear (R2 > 0.77), indicating that the GPD model can capture the overall trend of the return level, which is changing with the probability level. This proves that the takeover time threshold is reasonable. This study uses TTCmin to calibrate takeover safety, and the takeover time threshold has a good classification performance for takeover safety (accuracy > 85 %). The above content proves the rationality of the takeover time threshold. The contribution of this study is to calculate the takeover time threshold of drivers with different attributes, which can help regulatory authorities assess the driver’s takeover response ability and support the liability division of automated vehicle accidents.

The use of interactional metadiscourse markers by Saudi EFL male and female college students: the case of a gender-sensitive topic

A few studies have explored the use of interactional metadiscourse markers in argumentative writing by male and female college students. More importantly, none explored the topic of metadiscourse resources with respect to gender-sensitive topics. Thus, the present study aims at examining the exploitation of interactional metadiscourse markers by Saudi male and female English as a Foreign Language (EFL) college students in their writing about ‘Who are Better Drivers, Men or Women?’. The study is corpus-based on students’ essays. The corpus consists of four sub-corpora: (a) men favouring men, (b) men arguing for women, (c) women arguing for men and (d) women writing in favour of women. We followed a qualitative and quantitative approach to data analysis. Using AntConc and Hyland’s (2005) metadiscourse model of interactional markers, the results reveal that female writers employed attitudinal lexis, hedges, self-mentions and boosters more than male writers. As for the variables of gender and stance choice, females arguing for men’s driving significantly utilised hedges more than the other three groups. Additionally, female writers writing in support of female drivers significantly used self-mentions more than male writers arguing for men’s driving. This study shows that sensitive topics may cause a difference in the distribution of metadiscourse markers used by people of both genders, and it provides some pedagogical implications for EFL instructors and curriculum developers.

Prevalence of congenital color vision deficiency (CCVD) among drivers in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of color vision deficiency (CVD) and create awareness about the burden of CVD among drivers. Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 3486 participants (men, n = 2789) who applied for/renewed their drivers’ licenses in Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). All drivers had their visual acuity (VA) and color vision measured using standard procedures and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The overall prevalence of CVD was 3.13% (95% CI: 2.59–3.75). No participants had visual impairment (best-corrected distance VA worse than 6/18) and no female driver had CVD. The prevalence of CVD among the male drivers was 3.91% (95% CI: 3.25–4.69), and more among the younger drivers (18–29 years). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of CVD was low, to ensure inclusivity and the safety of all road users in the UAE, it is recommended that traffic lights and road signs that mainly use connotative color coding be adapted to include denotative clues which can be interpreted by drivers with CVD. A prospective study in all approved eye testing centers for drivers should be conducted to obtain representative CVD data of drivers in the UAE.

Impact of Stereotype Threat on Evaluating Female Drivers' Skills

Impact of Stereotype Threat on Evaluating Female Drivers' Skills

Which is the role of driver- or passengers-sex on the severity of road crashes?

AimThe aim of the study is to quantify the main ways in which the sex of the driver/occupant of a passenger car affects the severity of road crashes. MethodsAll 171 230 cars occupied by the driver and one or more passengers included in the Spanish Register of Victims of Road Crashes from 2014 to 2020 were included. We designed two cohort studies: In the first one, we estimated the Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) between the sex of the drivers and the occurrence of any death and/or severe injuries among their passengers. In the second one we estimated the conditioned IRR between the sex of the occupants of the same car and their risk of death and/or severe injuries. We used fixed Poisson models to obtain IRR estimates, crude and adjusted by individual- environment- and vehicle-related variables. ResultsA consistent inverse relationship between driver's female sex and passenger's severity was found, (IRR 0.72, 95 % CI 0.68–0.77), stronger for single crashes (IRR 0.67, 95 % CI 0.60–0.65). The magnitude decreased after adjusting for vehicle- and environment-related variables (IRR 0.82, 95 % CI 0.73–0.92). In the second study, the risk of death or hospitalization was higher for occupants of female sex (IRR 1.23, 95 % CI 1.17–1.30). ConclusionsThe risk of death or severe injuries among passengers of cars involved in single crashes is lower for female drivers, probably due to safer driving. On the contrary, in similar crashes, the risk of injuries leading to hospitalization is higher for females.

Death by A Thousand Cuts: Double Burden and Subordination of Female Ride-Hailing Drivers Towards Social Security Services

Ride-hailing platforms have mushroomed ever since the digitalization and technology development occurred in Indonesia. This could absorb most of the workforce, one of which is the ride-hailing drivers. Nevertheless, the informality of ride-hailing drivers has put them in a vulnerable position, especially for female drivers. This study aims to reveal the regulatory loopholes of gig workers, not to mention the ride-hailing drivers, subordination and vulnerabilities towards female ride-hailing drivers in Indonesia, as well as the urgency and best practice of social security that should be provided for female ride-hailing drivers. The research method utilized in this study is Participatory Narrative Inquiry (PNI) by gathering personal stories of the research subject, female ride-hailing drivers, through in-depth interviews. This study found several critical issues: (i) regulatory loopholes that emerge under the partnership scheme, leaving no obligatory for the ride-hailing platforms to provide social security services; (ii) female ride-hailing drivers in Indonesia experienced subordination and vulnerabilities, including gender stereotyping, sexual harassment, double burden between care work and paid work, as well as the absence of employment basic rights and access to social security services; (iii) providing and expanding National Health Insurance (JKN) to childcare and elderly care, as well as Employment Insurance (JKK, JKM, JHT, and pension insurance/JP) may lighten up the burden of female ride-hailing drivers.

Gender Roles, Social Thinking and Normative Aspects: A Pilot Study among Gabonese Women Drivers

In recent years, the emancipation of Gabonese women has gained momentum. Thanks to the launch of the African Women’s Decade in 2010, Gabon is implementing initiatives to empower Gabonese women. Access to driving is one of these initiatives. In the field of social thinking, the study of normative models highlights the ability of respondents to substitute for others and the influence of reference models. The objectives of this pilot study are to see how the models evolve and if it is possible to identify this autonomy in social thinking. A test of alternative choices based on eight pairs of stereotyped normative propositions (the inegalitarian vs. egalitarian model or valuing women) was submitted to a group of 41 Gabonese female drivers. The results show that these women make, on average, egalitarian choices, while they attribute more inegalitarian choices to their parents and male drivers. Regression analysis shows that parental and male drivers’ variables do not contribute to the model. The results are discussed in the context of existing research.

Changes in older drivers’ risky driving behavior over time: Insights from a naturalistic study

This study aimed to investigate changes in the risky driving behavior of older drivers with age using naturalistic driving data. The driving behaviors of 44 drivers aged 60 years or older at baseline were tracked for two to five years. Harsh events characterized by elevated g-forces were used as driving outcomes. A multilevel modeling approach was used to examine (1) the heterogeneity in individual trajectories of risky driving behaviors and (2) the factors associated with the average risky driving behavior over the study period and changes in risky driving behavior over time. The results indicated that there was heterogeneity in individual trajectories of risky driving behaviors. Older female drivers and a higher level of sensation seeking (i.e., the tendency to pursue new and different sensations, feelings, and experiences) were associated with higher rates of harsh events over the study period. A reduction in driving exposure was associated with an increase in harsh event rates, and driving exposure can partly explain the sex difference in risky driving behaviors. The cluster analysis indicated that the heterogeneity in individual trajectories of risky driving behaviors can be explained by the presence of three subgroups of drivers, with each group exhibiting specific trajectories. Initial levels of risky driving behaviors were much more important than time slopes in identifying subgroups of drivers, indicating that differences between drivers existed early and remained relatively consistent over the study period. A multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of class membership identified by the clustering algorithm, and the findings were similar to those from the multilevel regression analysis. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of how older drivers’ risky driving behaviors change with age and indicate the distinctive individual processes of change in driving behaviors with age.

Communication Patterns Between Companies and Female Drivers Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Indonesia

This study aimed to investigate the conditions of Indonesian female drivers in the ride-hailing industry pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on communication patterns between companies in response to changes related to female drivers during these periods. The pandemic has significantly impacted many industries, including ride-hailing, with female drivers being disproportionately affected. Moreover, the pandemic has exacerbated existing workforce challenges for them, such as childcare responsibilities and limited access to transportation. Semistructured interviews with 12 female drivers were conducted in Bandung, Indonesia from March to October 2023. They were asked open-ended questions about their experiences and perspectives regarding their working conditions before and after the pandemic. The results showed that before the pandemic, female drivers faced harsh working conditions, including a higher order cancellation rate than their male counterparts due to social gender stereotypes. After the pandemic, these challenges persisted. They experienced income loss and encountered several abusive customers. Unfortunately, neither the companies nor the government provided adequate support in any of these circumstances. Even though companies have taken steps to protect drivers from coronavirus infection, they have maintained a monopoly and a gender discrimination policy. They have not been transparent about the order allocation system, income deductions, or the criteria for incentive points.

An Integrated Approach to the Spanish Driving Behavior Questionnaire (SDBQ) in the City of Cuenca, Ecuador

Traffic collisions are the seventh leading cause of death in Ecuador, with reckless driving being one of the main causes. Although there are statistical data on traffic crashes, there has not yet been a comprehensive investigation of the causes. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate unsafe driving behavior using a modified version of the Spanish Driving Behavior Questionnaire (SDBQ) adapted for Ecuador. The 34-item SDBQ we used has four main dimensions: lapses, errors, violations, and aggressive driving. To apply the SDBQ, a stratified random probability sample of 470 drivers with valid driver’s licenses aged 18–69 was used. Of the drivers, 68.8% were male, while 33.2% were female. We used a chi-square test and descriptive statistics to analyze the data for the SDBQ application items. Finally, four generalized linear Poisson models were used. The results show that taxi drivers have the highest scores on three of the four main dimensions of the SDBQ and male drivers are more likely than female drivers to cause traffic accidents. Drivers are also more likely to cause traffic accidents if they drive more hours per day. This research is the first of its kind to analyze driver behavior-based solutions in Ecuador to reduce traffic accidents. The error factor is the most critical outcome of dangerous behavior in the city of Cuenca. The SDBQ aims to foster a culture of safety and sustainability by promoting road safety measures through legislation and traffic regulations.

Revisiting Older Drivers' Risks of At-fault Motor Vehicle Collisions in Japan.

In Japan, older drivers have been encouraged to surrender their driving licenses for traffic safety, despite the potential adverse social and health outcomes of driving cessation. We reconsidered such policies and social pressure by comparing the risk of at-fault motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) across the age groups of drivers. Using the national data of police-reported MVCs that occurred between 2016 and 2020, we examined the number of at-fault MVCs per licensed driver (MVC rate) and the number of fatally and non-fatally injured persons per at-fault MVC by the sex and age groups of at-fault drivers. The MVC rate of older drivers was higher than that of middle-aged drivers but lower than that of young drivers. The number of injured persons among the collided counterparts (collided car occupants, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians) per MVC caused by older drivers was not greater than that by drivers in other age groups. In fatal MVCs caused by older drivers, drivers themselves or their passengers tend to be killed rather than their collided counterparts. Overall, the results were mostly consistent between male and female drivers. The risk of at-fault MVCs increased with the advancing age of drivers after middle age; however, this risk among older drivers did not exceed that among young drivers, without posing a high risk of injuries to their collided counterparts.

Fatal crashes involving vehicles with driver warning systems: Identifying risk factors using a correlated random parameters ordered logit modeling approach

Recent advancements in vehicular technology are expected to enhance traffic safety by either warning the drivers or by automating the tasks related to driving to reduce the human driver's involvement. The driver warning systems (DWSs) are designed to warn drivers in unsafe situations such as forward collision, lane departure, or when changing lanes with vehicles in blind spot areas. Although these features are designed to enhance safety, recent crash data shows vehicles with these features are still getting involved in crashes, making it necessary to identify the contributing factors. Further, it also requires research to quantify the benefits of vehicles with one or multiple DWS in terms of safety during multivehicle crashes. This study presents a methodological framework to compare factors affecting fatal crashes involving vehicles with no, one and two DWSs. A three-step method is proposed to incorporate unobserved heterogeneity while modeling. Fixed parameter and correlated random parameter order logit models are employed. The results shows that correlated random parameters ordered logit model outperforms traditional fixed parameter ordered logit model. Vehicles equipped with DWSs are safer than vehicles without DWSs during wet or snowy road conditions, when the vehicle skids laterally or longitudinally, and at intersections. Vehicles with one or both DWSs can reduce drink-and-drive and speeding-related crash involvement than vehicles without DWSs. Female and elderly drivers are at a higher risk while driving a vehicle with one or both DWSs compared to driving a vehicle without DWSs, demanding vehicular modifications.

Communication Experience and Self-Concept of Female Online Taxi Drivers in Bogor City

Nowadays, women are often constructed by society as individuals who are calm, gentle, thorough, and are in the domestic realm, such as the household, caring for children. However, there are women who choose to become online taxi drivers as their job, and the existing social construction that this profession is a masculine profession does not discourage female online taxi drivers from continuing to earn a living. The aim of this research is to find out how female online taxi drivers interpret their goals in carrying out their profession and their motives in carrying out their profession, as well as their communication experiences as online taxi drivers. The research results show that the average motive behind women in the city of Bogor choosing to work as online taxi drivers is economic factors, such as being a single parent or simply helping their husband with their family's economy to earn income from their work as an online taxi driver.

Predictive Factors and Timing of Developing Anal Fistula after Drainage of Cryptoglandular Anorectal Abscess: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Cryptoglandular infection is one of the main causes of common anorectal infections that presents in conjunction with abscess following anal fistula after drainage. Objective: To evaluate the rate and predictive factors of fistula formation following anorectal abscess drainage, and the timing of fistula diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective study of 232 patients with cryptoglandular anorectal abscess that underwent drainage in the operating room under anesthesia between 2010 and 2019. The predictive factors of fistula development were analyzed using Cox’s proportional hazard. Results: Seventy out of 232 patients (30%) developed anorectal fistula after drainage of anorectal abscess. Median follow-up time was 35.5 months, and 25.02% (95% CI 19.89 to 31.19) of patients developed fistula within 12 months after the surgery. Independent factors in developing anal fistula after drainage were female gender (HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.14, p=0.017), alcohol consumption (HR 2.24 95% CI 1.20 to 4.22, p=0.012), and driver (HR 2.80, 95% CI 1.08 to 7.25, p=0.034). The protective factors are gauze packing (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.82, p=0.009) and identifiable organism from pus culture (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.99, p=0.046). Conclusion: After drainage of a cryptoglandular anorectal abscess, there is a need to raise the awareness concerning anorectal fistula in female patient, alcohol drinkers, and those who work as drivers. Bacterial cultures should be taken, and gauze drain should be positioned. The potential fistula formation should be monitored in the first year after the operation with an option of extending to a second year.

How are sociodemographic differences contributing to red light violation behavior? the underlying role of gender, age, driving experience, and income

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of the first driver behavior questionnaire (DBQ) study on analyzing Indian drivers’ aberrant behavior for red light violations (RLVs) at signalized junctions. An ordered probit model is developed using the drivers’ socio-demographic variables. The model results indicate that age has the strongest influence on drivers’ RLV behavior, followed by driving experience and level of education. The level of perceived RLV appears to increase with higher driving frequency and two-wheeler ownership. This research is also the first to analyze the aberrant behavior differences among male and female drivers concerning their demographics and driving experiences. It is unique to note that at a certain combination of various demographics (e.g., driving experience, education level, and daily trip frequency), the men and women are becoming equal in their aberrant behavior while committing RLVs. This finding is an interesting input for developing driver training and education programs.

Development and validation of automated driving behavior questionnaire (ADBQ)

The Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ), which is rooted in Human Factors, is a common tool used in the context of driving behavior. However, it does not consider driver behavior when automated-driving systems are active. The primary objective of this study is to construct a questionnaire with high levels of reliability to assess the driving behavior of automated-vehicle (AV) users. This paper presents the development and validation process of a 16-item automated driving behavior questionnaire, composed of three factors of the driving process (perception, cognition, and action) and two factors of automated driving systems (user literacy and dependency). Responses from 441 active AV users were collected and analyzed. The application of factor analysis resulted in the identification of a five-factor solution, and the results showed that male drivers exhibited higher levels of literacy, action, and reliance on AVs than female drivers. In terms of trust, those with complete trust reported higher AV dependency, whereas those with low trust reported lower AV dependency and higher cognitive scores. Addressing gender- and trust-based disparities is crucial for traffic safety, especially among male and less-trusting drivers. The developed ADBQ will serve as a supporting tool for system developers and researchers to assess the driving behaviors of AV users.